Our Summary

This study looked at how different types of nasal rinses could help people with a particular type of long-term sinus infection, often linked to nasal growths, caused by aspirin. The researchers compared a rinse made from concentrated sea water with a standard salt solution. They did this on patients who had recently had surgery to treat their sinus issues.

They found that patients who used the sea water rinse had fewer symptoms such as nasal blockage, facial pain, headaches, and trouble sleeping. They also had less swelling and crusting in the nose. These improvements were significant from the first week and continued throughout the month-long study.

The results suggest that using a rinse made from concentrated sea water could be a good way to help people recover after surgery for aspirin-induced sinus infections.

FAQs

  1. What types of nasal rinses were compared in the study?
  2. What benefits were observed in patients who used the sea water rinse after surgery?
  3. How long did the study continue to observe improvements in patients using the sea water rinse?

Doctor’s Tip

In addition to using a nasal rinse, it is important to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your doctor. This may include avoiding activities that could irritate the nasal passages, such as smoking or blowing your nose too forcefully. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns or complications that may arise. Remember to always communicate openly with your doctor about your symptoms and progress during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who have nasal polyps and chronic sinus infections, especially those caused by aspirin sensitivity, may be recommended nasal polyp removal. This procedure may be suggested for patients who have not found relief from other treatments such as medications or nasal rinses. Additionally, patients who experience symptoms such as nasal blockage, facial pain, headaches, and trouble sleeping may benefit from nasal polyp removal.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, headaches, trouble sleeping, and nasal blockage.
  2. Patient may undergo various treatments such as medication, nasal sprays, and antibiotics to manage symptoms.
  3. If symptoms persist and nasal polyps are diagnosed, patient may be recommended for surgery to remove the polyps.

After nasal polyp removal:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove nasal polyps.
  2. Post-surgery, patient may experience discomfort, swelling, and nasal congestion.
  3. Patient is prescribed medication to manage pain and prevent infection.
  4. Patient may be advised to use nasal rinses to help with healing and reduce symptoms.
  5. Over time, patient experiences improvement in symptoms such as nasal blockage, facial pain, headaches, and trouble sleeping.
  6. Swelling and crusting in the nose decreases, leading to better overall nasal health.
  7. Patient continues to follow up with healthcare providers for monitoring and further treatment if needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of nasal polyp removal surgery in relieving symptoms such as nasal blockage, facial pain, and headaches?
  3. How long is the recovery period after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  4. Will I need to use a nasal rinse after the surgery, and if so, how often should I use it?
  5. What are the differences between using a sea water rinse and a standard salt solution rinse for post-surgery care?
  6. How soon after the surgery can I start using the sea water rinse?
  7. Are there any specific instructions or tips for using the sea water rinse effectively?
  8. Will I need to continue using the sea water rinse long-term, or is it just for the recovery period?
  9. Are there any potential side effects or contraindications with using a sea water rinse?
  10. How often should I follow up with my doctor after the surgery, and what should I watch out for in terms of complications or recurrence of nasal polyps?

Reference

Authors: Perić A, Kovačević SV, Barać A, Gaćeša D, Perić AV, Jožin SM. Journal: Acta Otolaryngol. 2019 Jun;139(6):529-535. doi: 10.1080/00016489.2019.1605454. Epub 2019 Apr 29. PMID: 31035841